You probably know that getting a divorce can cause people to feel depressed and anxious, but what if you already suffer from diagnosed clinical depression? As you might expect, life events like divorce can kick a major depressive disorder into overdrive.
Your rights are already at risk when divorcing. Since a mood disorder can affect your decision-making, you may be risking more than you realize. Hopefully, these tips can help you cope better and avoid unduly risking your property and parenting rights.
Follow your treatment plan
A lot goes on in a typical divorce, and you can expect to make many crucial decisions. You must file paperwork, decide how to divide your marital property and create a parenting plan if you have children.
Having a clear mind and a hopeful spirit can help you make good decisions, so don’t skip your meds or veer off your treatment plan.
Care for yourself
Divorce can be as physically exhausting as it is emotionally disruptive. You will probably need all the energy you can muster to emerge from the experience in good condition.
Try to eat regular meals, get plenty of sleep and exercise responsibly whenever you can. If you feel better physically, it may help reduce your depression symptoms or lessen their severity. It could also improve and regulate your sleep.
Surround yourself with support
Many people with diagnosed depression tend to spend too much time alone, often immersed in their thoughts. Keep your support system close to help you manage your divorce and the turbulent emotions you may feel.
Consider speaking frankly with your mental health care provider to learn more about managing clinical depression and divorce simultaneously. Having experienced legal guidance is also critical to helping ensure that you obtain a fair settlement.